Letters to the editor for Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Wednesday

Mar 6, 2013 at 2:00 AM

Over the past decade, the New York state Tobacco Control Program has helped to significantly reduce the number of women and men who smoke in New York (less than 19 percent), and the number of children who start this addiction (less than 12 percent of state high schoolers smoke). Progress is good, but more needs to be done.

Over the past decade, the New York state Tobacco Control Program has helped to significantly reduce the number of women and men who smoke in New York (less than 19 percent), and the number of children who start this addiction (less than 12 percent of state high schoolers smoke). Progress is good, but more needs to be done.

With the program's efforts to educate citizens and decision-makers about the dangers of secondhand smoke, New Yorkers have enjoyed a decade of smoke-free restaurants and bars. By encouraging landlords to adopt no-smoking policies in their multiunit dwellings, more tenants can breathe smoke-free air in their homes.

There are also ongoing efforts to reduce youth's exposure to tobacco marketing, which is a known cause of youth smoking.

However, in recent years the investment in this program to maintain these successes has been steadily cut.

The tobacco industry does not cut its spending on marketing targeted to our children and keeping adults addicted. It is both wise and fair to invest in a program proven to work and serve those in need. Research shows all citizens benefit from well-funded and proven effective tobacco control initiatives.

Tobacco control, it saves lives and tax dollars.

Brian Palmisano

Lake Katrine

Ulster County Legislator Wishnick's complaint of lack of respect and decorum at UPAC Feb. 19 did nothing to demean our First Amendment. On the contrary, it was a great exercise in free speech.

Let's address his complaints. Bullying tactics: I think not. Just honest emotion and frustration over being left out of the process that led us there. Not one pro NY-SAFE speaker was molested.

His whine over the right to conceal carry in a theater shows his own fear of the very people he represents. No one flashed a gun or threatened anyone with a gun. Law-abiding citizens are not reckless with their rights.

The booing of Minority Leader Donaldson was a direct result of his baiting the audience and grandstanding. As for treason: When you take an oath to defend our Constitution, it means in whole. You don't get to pick and choose.

Finally, yes Mr. New Paltz scholar, all 27 words apply and we know what the intention was — 27 words, 27 words that draw the most fervent of emotion.

Dennis Arluck

Walker Valley

A few years ago, I worked closely and cooperatively with Mayor Moore and the trustees to protect the interests of Greenwood Lake's residents.

Often, differences of opinion surfaced within the board that would seem to create obstacles that were impassable. Luckily, our board, in a spirit of cooperation, was able to keep the big picture in mind. We didn't always agree on what road to take, but we did agree on our final destination and village goals.

With the board working together with the mayor and with Moore focusing all of our efforts, we achieved many goals, including: creating a fiscally sound budget; protecting the lake by installing filters in our catch basins; aeration; spot dredging; steep slope protection; working toward receiving grant monies for projects that normally could not happen without grant support such as the playground at Lion's field; creating a Merchant's Guild; upgrading and maintaining the water treatment and distribution systems; creating a village website; restoring Helen Kelly Field for our youths to play baseball, soccer and basketball on.